Lemon Cypress Hesperocyparis macrocarpa 'Goldcrest'

‘Goldcrest’ cypress is a cultivar of the Monterey cypress with an informal, columnar habit and evergreen, bright yellow foliage. It originated as a seedling selection made by a nursery in the UK in the mid-1940s.

'Goldcrest' tolerates a range of soil pH but needs well-drained soil and thrives in sandy soils. In hot climates, it should have partial shade during the hottest part of the day. In cooler climates, such as in the mountains, it can take full sun.

'Goldcrest' reaches a height of 7.5 feet in 10 years. Juveniles have needle leaves, while mature plants have scale leaves. The crushed foliage smells of lemons.

It can be grown in a container, but be sure to water regularly and prune in the spring to control growth. It is an easy-to-grow plant with bright yellow color and an informal habit. It is often grown as a lawn specimen and will stand up to salt wind. It is suitable for winter, fairy, children's, rock and cottage gardens. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to cypress aphids and honey fungus. Armillaria, phytophthora, root rot, and coryneum canker are disease problems.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University

More information on Hesperocyparis macrocarpa.